Wifi newbie with a question

[tboo]

What does it mean when an access point can be configured as a client? I ask because Im putting up a wireless network at home so all of my computers can surf the internet over my roadrunner modem, I hear its bettter to use all WAPs rather than a router. I also understand that some WAPS can be configured to run in client mode. I ask about this because one of my computers is a laptop hooked up to a docking station. The station has one RJ45 jack. Does using a WAP as a client mean that I can configure it for that mode & hook it up to the rj45 jack on the station & then another up to the hub thats connected to my modem(set as a gateway)& ill be set to go? If not what do I need to do?

 

[JackMDS]

Quote: "I hear its bettter to use all WAPs rather than a router."

You need a Router to be able to share the Internet.

So your option is to buy a Wired Router and plug an Access Point to the Router, or to buy a Wireless Cable/DSL Router.

Given your setting, a Wireless Cable/DSL Router will do.

I suggest that you should engage in some reading before you make any decision based on wrong information.

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Link: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point - What should I get?

 

[tboo]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Quote: "I hear its bettter to use all WAPs rather than a router."

You need a Router to be able to share the Internet.

So your option is to buy a Wired Router and plug an Access Point to the Router, or to buy a Wireless Cable/DSL Router.

Given your setting, a Wireless Cable/DSL Router will do.

I suggest that you should engage in some reading before you make any decision based on wrong information.

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Link: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point - What should I get?

Why do I need a router to share the internet? -I dont use one now with my wired network

 

[JackMDS]

Do you have multiple ISP External IPs?

Cable/DSL Routers main function is to provide Network Address Translation (NAT). It is necessary to provide NAT when you share one Internet connection so that each computer will send, and receive the Internet information that belongs to it.

 

[tboo]

Roadrunner allows me to hook up 5 computers each with their own ip number

 

[JackMDS]

Then you do not need NATing.

In any case connecting an Access Point Directly to the Modem is not the best idea,

It is a security problem as well as a "Quirky" way to do maintances and tweaking of the Network.

I would recommend at least one Wired computer.

 

[tboo]

Thanks for the help, Jack!